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I stumbled upon Pop Café on a heat afternoon whereas wandering across the Oltrarno, and it ended up being the place I had probably the most laid-back aperitivos of my journey. It’s not the type of place that screams “hidden gem”. It simply does what it does nicely. Espresso, cocktails, and informal meals in a relaxed nook of Florence.

It walks the road between neighborhood bar and café, and whereas there’s an air of coolness to it, it doesn’t really feel curated or overly designed. It’s splendid for individuals who need one thing informal however dependable, whether or not you’re into spritzes, espresso and cornetto, or simply sitting within the solar watching the piazza transfer round you.

Location and Ambiance

Pop Café sits proper on Piazza della Passera, a quiet however energetic nook in Oltrarno that fills up with native chatter by late morning. The out of doors seating space is the actual draw, metallic tables underneath burnt-orange awnings, shaded simply sufficient to maintain the noon warmth bearable.

Inside, it’s compact however charming. There’s a slim hallway that results in a bar space, cabinets of wine overhead, and a handful of small tables. The vibe is extra “native neighborhood spot” than curated Instagram café, and I imply that in one of the simplest ways. It’s the type of place the place a scholar would possibly sip espresso whereas studying, a pair would possibly share a cornetto, and another person could be midway by means of a spritz earlier than midday.

Menu and Signature Dishes

The menu is simple,not huge, however sufficient to cowl the bases. I got here by for aperitivo, so I centered on the drink and the small snacks that got here with it. I ordered a Negroni, which was served with a bowl of salty chips and a few olives, fundamental however contemporary and precisely what I wished at that hour. Most individuals round me gave the impression to be doing the identical: a drink in hand, a small chew to nibble, and never far more. The menu wasn’t handed to me until I requested, which added to the informal nature of the place. You possibly can inform it was extra concerning the expertise of sitting and sipping than diving right into a full meal.

Ingredient High quality and Presentation

The aperitivo I had got here with a small facet of olives and a bowl of potato chips. There was nothing overly dressed up concerning the presentation, however that felt proper for the setting. The drink, a spritz, was served in an easy glass with a slice of orange, chilly and balanced with out being too bitter. It felt extra like one thing you’d get pleasure from commonly than one thing meant to impress for Instagram, and I appreciated that.

Drink Choice

Pop Café is a hybrid, it does Florentine café classics by morning and leans into aperitivo-style cocktails by afternoon. Their espresso choice consists of your requirements, espresso, cappuccino, macchiato however additionally they serve fresh-pressed juices. I noticed somebody order a vivid orange juice that seemed excellent for a sunny day.

Within the evenings, the menu shifts. Spritzes and Negronis make their solution to tables, and you’ll inform it turns into extra of a neighborhood aperitivo spot than a brunch hangout. The cocktails are respectable, not overly robust, however well-balanced, and include small snacks, chips or olives, relying on the temper of the bar workers that day.

Service and Visitor Expertise

The workers had been informal, form, and environment friendly. One of many servers smiled and joked with a gaggle of older regulars, then circled and simply switched to English to clarify drink choices to a vacationer couple. The vitality right here is relaxed, and also you’re not rushed, they’re comfortable to allow you to linger.

That stated, service is usually a little sluggish throughout peak occasions. Not in a irritating approach, extra just like the tempo naturally slows down when the sq. fills up and everybody begins people-watching.

Pricing and Worth

Costs are mid-range, particularly contemplating the placement. A espresso and pastry combo is round €5, Cocktails are about €8–9, which is fairly customary for Florence. For me, it felt like a good deal, notably when you get a desk exterior and linger for some time.

It’s most likely not a spot you’d go to each single day when you’re on a price range, but it surely’s an amazing possibility for if you need one thing contemporary and dependable with out having to assume too exhausting.

Why Go to Pop Café?

Pop Café feels effortlessly native with out attempting to model itself that approach. It’s nice for a gentle brunch, a lazy espresso, or an informal aperitivo earlier than dinner. In the event you’re staying close by or exploring Oltrarno, it’s a straightforward cease particularly for vacationers who’re on the lookout for one thing a bit lighter than pasta or panini however nonetheless flavorful and satisfying.

It additionally works nicely for various sorts of diners: solo vacationers with a e book, {couples} grabbing cocktails, or perhaps a small group catching up over espresso and bites. The combo of locals and vacationers retains the vitality energetic with out turning into chaotic.

Closing Ideas and Suggestions

In the event you’re visiting for brunch, attempt to arrive by 10:30–11:00 earlier than the tables replenish. For aperitivo, the golden hour between 5:30–7:00pm is good, heat gentle, cooler temperatures, and a buzz within the sq. that’s exhausting to duplicate.

Don’t count on an intensive menu, as a substitute, lean into what they do nicely. I’d advocate the croissant for breakfast, one of many colourful wellness bowls for lunch, and a spritz with olives when you’re there within the night.

In the event you’re fortunate sufficient to seize one of many outer tables within the piazza, it’s a reasonably great place to only watch Florence go by after meals tour.

FAQs

Do they take reservations or is it walk-in solely?
Stroll-in solely, seating is informal and turnover is fast.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free choices clearly marked?
Vegetarian choices can be found and largely apparent, although not at all times labeled. Ask the workers if uncertain.

Is there indoor seating solely or an out of doors patio too?
There’s a small indoor part, however the majority of seating is outdoor on the piazza.

Are you able to order something to-go or for supply?
Sure, takeaway is out there for drinks and meals.

Is it kid-friendly or extra adult-leaning?
Child-friendly in the course of the day, extra adult-focused in the course of the aperitivo crowd within the night.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Finest espresso in Florence: 8 cafés you’ll be able to’t miss. Consuming Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/best-coffee-in-florence/

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Florence meals excursions & experiences. Consuming Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/florence/

Instagram. (n.d.). Pop Café Santo Spirito. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/popcafe_santospirito/?hl=en